Chapter 2

"I took it off."

"But I made that ring with my own hands. It's the proof of our bond. Why would you take it off?"

Seraphina brushed him off. "I haven't been feeling well. It doesn't fit anymore."

Caden's frown eased, his smile returning. "Then I'll take it in and have it resized."

"Another time."

His eyes landed on the black obsidian jewelry box on the table. Surprise lit up his face. "Sera, is that for me? A gift?"

Seraphina nodded. "Yes." Inside was nothing but a cold, lifeless lump of silver—their bond token, melted down.

Caden beamed. "What's the occasion? My Seraphina giving me a present on her own?"

Her heart sank further. "Today... is the anniversary of our bond."

His expression darkened immediately. He forced a smile, trying to soothe her. "I'm sorry, Sera. I really have been too busy. How about tonight we go out? The lake by the moonlight—"

"No."

"Then let's drive up the mountain and watch the stars?"

"I'm tired. I want to sleep."

From behind, he slid his arms around her waist, his tone coaxing. "Come on, Sera. We haven't walked together in so long. Lately you've seemed... distant in our bond. If this goes on, I might start to think you've fallen out of love with me."

Out of love? she thought bitterly. No. It was your soul that betrayed our bond first. Your heart that left me first. And this time, I'll take everything back—my bond, myself, all of it.

On the drive, Caden kept up cheerful chatter about the pack's affairs.

Seraphina stared silently out the window. When she had fastened her seatbelt earlier, her fingers brushed something wedged in the seat crack—a woman's stocking. It still carried the strong scent of another she-wolf. She shoved it back in place and pretended she hadn't seen it. She had already decided to leave. What was the point of arguing? Lies would be all she got. If she couldn't have the truth, she wanted nothing at all.

At the lake, Caden hurried around to open her door. "We're here, Sera."

She hadn't wanted to come, but this lakeside was where they had once celebrated their bond. If it began here, it might as well end here.

"Look, isn't that Alpha Caden? The one who hand-forged his bond token!"

"Yes, yes—I remember! The most devoted Alpha of the wolf clans!"

"He even shields Seraphina's head from the car roof. He's so thoughtful!"

As whispers of admiration rose around them, Caden's phone rang. He smiled apologetically. "Sorry, Sera, give me a minute. It's pack business. I'll be quick."

"Go ahead."

"Wait here, don't wander off."

The onlookers gushed again. "He treats her like a daughter, afraid she'll get lost!"

"So doting!"

Only Seraphina's face remained blank as she stared at the shimmering lake. She had seen the way his lips curled at the caller ID—sweet, tender, almost mischievous. No pack matter could bring that smile. She didn't bother exposing the lie. The chill of the lake night air drove her back into the car.

The car screen lit up. Caden hadn't logged out of his social account. His phone synced automatically, and messages scrolled upward. The name on the other side: Layla.

Caden: Miss me?

Layla: Nights without you feel empty.

Caden: Didn't we make love seven times today? Not enough?

Layla: Not enough. I want more.

Caden: Tomorrow then. At the office. I'll satisfy you.

Layla: Heehee. Then I'll wear black stockings.

The further she read, the filthier it got—dirty jokes, teasing, promises of more. Seraphina's whole body went cold. She shut the screen, shaking so badly her nails dug into her palms.

Caden returned after about fifteen minutes, visibly relieved. "When I turned around and didn't see you, I nearly panicked. Thank the Moon you're safe."

Seraphina didn't look at him. She kept her eyes on her hands. "It was cold outside. I came back to the car."

"Yes, yes—wherever you want to be, that's where you belong."

Those words stabbed her now, after reading his chat. Wherever you want to be... Was that why a stocking had been stuffed into the seat crack? Had they done it right here, in the passenger seat?

Her stomach churned. Disgust rose like bile. She flung the door open and retched into the night.